ABOUT
Capturing the ephemeral beauty of the Arizona desert through botanical plaster art
Our Story
Ashley Chaney and Angela Yoder are sisters who were born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. The Valley of the Sun can be a harsh environment but the beauty that can flourish in it is unique, resilient and sometimes surprising. Inspired by this beauty, the sisters forage local flora from the desert, urban construction sites, backyards and sidewalk cracks to create botanical bas-relief.
Our Process
Botanical bas-relief begins with a slab of clay. The greenery is gently pressed into the clay and then is meticulously removed leaving detailed imprints behind. A frame is made around the design and then fine plaster is poured in to create a cast. Once dry, the botanical cast is lightly cleaned and sanded to let the natural texture and form of each stem, leaf, or paddle shine through.
Our Ethos
This deliberate and slow process is perfectly suited to the ethos of Sun + Dust. We believe that the beauty of nature has a unique and meaningful ability to ground us and move us in wonder and curiosity. Our hope is that we not only create moments of pause and beauty for people, but that we also get to highlight the intricate beauty of the ordinary hiding in plain sight.
Each piece is one-of-a-kind, reflecting the unique character of the botanicals and the moment they were found.